Every inch of the off-pavement travel we did took place on established two-track roads used by ranchers, hunters, BLM or Forest Service personnel, and others. The lack of maintenance or improvement on a two-track means we enjoyed plenty of challenges without looking for trouble. Strictly speaking, we did no "off-road" travel on this run, unless you count the designated sand dune OHV recreation area near Christmas Valley. While not a blood-and-guts 4x4 run, this event is a good example of the kind of four-wheeling recreation enjoyed by many vehicle owners. It's non-destructive fun that doesn't dramatically risk your vehicle unless you do something really stupid.
Most of the rigs on this trip were well prepared for serious off-pavement travel, but this event called for careful driving more than megabuck aftermarket hardware. There were a few near-stock Rovers, but many had modest suspension lifts and taller tires in keeping with sensible off-pavement prep. For a cautious driver, virtually any 4x4 rig-not counting AWD family "crossover" sedans and the like-could take on this trail with confidence.
We trundled carefully along at the tail of the caravan in our showroom-stock Jeep Liberty motivated by the optional 2.8L CRD diesel engine. We enjoyed a solid 25 mpg on the road, including a cruise over the Cascade mountain pass, and the rig had more than enough power and pep to tackle the journey in sprightly fashion. Our sole complaint was the Liberty's low ground clearance. It seemed we scraped bottom on any rock larger than a navel orange. A couple inches of suspension and tire lift would have helped immensely. Meanwhile, we gritted our teeth and soldiered cautiously ahead.
Downhill and southeast from Glass Buttes, we reached our first campsite at the edge of Overall Flats, sort of a tree-crowned knoll at the head of a broad valley. The spot included sufficient flat spots for the ground and roof-rack-mounted tents popular with this group. A heavy-duty campfire pit was pressed into duty for the group fire, a welcome feature given the cool wind.
The second day was spent maneuvering across dry lakebeds, through head-deep patches of desert scrub brush, over areas of sage and scattered juniper trees, and up and down rocky bluffs as we climbed out of or descended into dry washes.